Dozens of cyclists have gathered in Liverpool City Centre to protest the incoming ban on all non-folding e-bikes on Merseyrail trains.
The ban, first announced in July and coming into effect in January, means only standard pedal cycles, folding e-bikes and approved mobility scooters and aids will be permitted on the operator’s fleet of trains, serving the city of Liverpool and the Wirral.
However, the proposal has been criticised by several campaigners and local politicians who have criticised the lack of consultation as well as the impact the ban would have on active travel in the region.
Cycling UK requested a meeting on the proposed ban in August, but were declined. Subsequently, Cycling UK organised a demonstration which took place last Thursday, where more than 200 people took part in a ride to Merseyrail’s Head Office, where they were addressed by local councillors and active travel campaigners.
Cycling UK’s director of external affairs Steve Brooks told the crowd, “Merseyrail have got it really, really wrong,” as reported by Liverpool’s Local Democracy Reporter.
“We know it’s going to have a massive negative impact on so many people across Merseyside, particularly older people, disabled people and people who are struggling to make ends meet. Merseyrail say they’ve got safety concerns, we’ve asked ‘show us your safety report, we’ll have a look at it and work with you to address those safety concerns.’”
Among the speaker’s was councillor Steve Foulkes, chair of Liverpool City Region’s Transport Committee. He echoed his comments in the council house that the ban was “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”, adding Merseyrail has “made this decision without any consultation or conversation and we don’t think that’s right.”
“This decision does seem completely against that local transport plan policy. I think we are singing from the same hymn sheet. My view is we should talk, [and] get round the table.”
Foulkes also suggested the local authority would look to challenge Merseyrail’s ban, and its powers to unilaterally install the policy, “in the coming months.”
In a statement a train company spokesperson said, “Merseyrail has always been a strong supporter of active and sustainable travel. We recognise the important role that cycling and e-bikes play in helping people access employment, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities across our region.
“Our overriding responsibility is to provide a safe environment for our staff and our passengers. Safety must always come first. The introduction of this ban follows careful consideration of the wider risks associated with lithium-ion battery-powered e-bikes on a busy rail network.
“Although incidents are rare, lithium-ion battery fires can develop quickly, are difficult to extinguish, and can produce intense heat, dense smoke and toxic gases.”
Merseyrail said it would reach out to representatives of the cycling community to continue conversations, answer questions and discuss the factors that led to this decision, though there was no indication the operator was open to reconsidering the ban.
